DARPA Seeks Ultra-Secure, Self-Destructing Messaging System

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a request for proposals posted on a DOD Web page in which it requires “a secure messaging system that can provide… one time eyes only messages.”

The main objective of the RFP is to create a secure messaging and transaction platform that separates the message creation from the transfer (transport) and reception of the message, using a decentralized messaging backbone to allow anyone anywhere the ability to send a secure message, or conduct other transactions across multiple channels traceable in a decentralized ledger, according to DARPA.

The DARPA request for proposals is aimed at building a messaging platform that the military could use for secure communication ranging from procurement to intelligence. To prevent cyberattacks and build a more secure platform, DARPA is eyeing a messaging service that not only taps standard encryption used by other secure messaging services such as, WhatsApp but also communicates through a decentralized protocol like blockchain.

There is a critical DoD need to develop a secure messaging and transaction platform accessible via web browser or standalone native application, ccording to DARPA. The platform separates the message creation, from the transfer of the message within a secure courier to the reception and decryption of the message.

The messaging platform will transfer messages via a secure decentralized protocol that will be secured across multiple channels, including but not limited to:

Significant reduction in time for regulatory overview of various transactions

Tracking of aircraft or satellites with simulated telemetry or air traffic control data

System Admin and Monitoring tools and engine

Integration of hardware or edge of network hardware components

PHASE III DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The DoD requires a secure messaging system that can provide repudiation or deniability, perfect forward and backward secrecy, time to live/self delete for messages, one time eyes only messages, a decentralized infrastructure to be resilient to cyber-attacks, and ease of use for individuals in less than ideal situations.